‘Supergirl’ Gets Order For 7 More Episodes From CBS

Supergirl is joining the rest of CBS’ new fall series in receiving a back episodic order. The network has given a seven-episode pickup to the superhero drama, bringing its freshman run to 20 episodes, two shy of a full-season 22. Still, CBS calls this a full-season order, a term the broadcast networks have been using widely this season for series that get additional episodes beyond the initial 13.

Supergirl, which launched to overwhelmingly positive reviews, has been averaging 11.24 million viewers and a 2.8 rating among adults 18-49 in most recent ratings. The series, from Greg Berlanti, opened strong in the ratings, and has been posting healthy DVR increases. Still, the show’s ratings, especially on a Live+same day basis, have been on a mostly downward trend. That could’ve played a role in the network’s decision on the size of the back order though the 7 vs. 9-episode pickup also could be explained by the fact that Supergirl premiered on October 26, a month into the season.

Supergirl, which replaced a comedy block in the Monday 8 PM hour, has improved CBS’ year ago time period by +46% in viewers and +40% in adults 18-49. Berlanti, Ali Adler, Andrew Kreisberg and Sarah Schechter executive produce for Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television. The series, based on the characters from DC Comics, stars Melissa Benoist, Mehcad Brooks, Chyler Leigh and Jeremy Jordan with David Harewood and Calista Flockhart.

CBS’s back orders to new series include Back 9 episodes for drama Limitless and comedy Life In Pieces and 5 more episodes for drama Code Black.